Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 127

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y. > Part 127

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

. From Imerican Fortunes and the Men Who Have Made Them. By Laura (. Holloway, author of "The Ladies of the White House"; "An Hour with Charlotte Bronte "; &r., Ac. Bradley & Co., Publishers, Philadelphia.

· Died December 17, 1880.

Your friend ChacStorrs

1159

BIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES STORRS, ESQ.

which attended his undertaking of this task, he performed the difficult work with skill, tact and success, and entirely without compensation."

In his political and religious opinions, Mr. Storrs is both con- servative and progressive. At a meeting held at the Cooper In- stitute, in the autumn of 1873, by the religious rationalists, of whom the Rev. O. B. Frothingham was then the leading spirit, Mr. Storrs was invited to preside, and accepted the invitation on the "Broad Church " principle, which he thus stated : " It is, perhaps, but right that I should state that I belong to an ortho- dox church and have no intention of leaving it. Early asso- ciations and circumstances may have thrown us into different churches; being there, let us not be restive or too hasty to change. As we are impressed and permitted to see the light, we may be enabled to enlighten others. Churches have changed or modified their creeds and views in times past, and doubtless will again. I see no valid reason why I should not be open to conviction and hear all truth, that removes ignorance and super- stition, stimulates charity and good works, and tends to a better life, from whatever source it may come."

If he has a creed, it is this : a pure life and good works. At the same time no man takes a greater interest in the good work done by churches than he does. The Congregational church in his native town has been largely provided for by him. He has also given the town a large cemetery, and has added a fund under trustees for keeping it in good order. He has erected in this cemetery two granite monuments for his father's family and his own, as well as several others elsewhere in the town to the mem- ory of his early ancestors, especially one to Samuel Storrs, the above-mentioned founder of the American branch of the family.

The private benevolences of Mr. Storrs have not blunted the keen edge of his public spirit. In October, 1877, the New York World stated that the Khedive of Egypt would give an obelisk to this country if properly applied for.

Mr. Storrs immediately wrote to the New York Tribune asking it to second the World's effort to obtain the obelisk, and offering to bear one-fiftieth part of the expense of its removal and proper erection in New York. The Tribune commended his proposition, as did other New York papers. This, I believe, was the first public offer made for obtaining the obelisk, which now adorns Central Park.

In connection with his brother, Augustus Storrs, he, some years ago, presented to the State of Connecticut the land and buildings and an endowment fund to establish and maintain

the Storrs Agricultural School at Mansfield. Having experienced the intellectual privations too commonly incident to farm life, the younger brother Charles determined that when he was ready to help his fellow men he would make it his duty to establish an agricultural school for those who should desire and purpose to fit themselves for agricultural pursuits. One of the provisions of the Storrs School is, that in addition to the teaching and training of pupils to the practice and business of farming, they should also be taught the elements of botany, chemistry, geology and other sciences as applied to agriculture, thus ennobling and elevating the latter calling, and lifting up those who are to pursue it.

According to his opportunities and the bigness of his heart, Charles Storrs has sought to do good to all men and to make his circle of fellow creatures happier and better. His nature attracts others, invites their trust, and never belies the impression of downright honesty and kindness which it first creates. Active in his ways, full of interest in the people and events around him, the dark complexion, the hair and whiskers tinged with gray, the kindly humor which is the most habitual expression on the face, and above all the humane trustfulness and good fellowship of the eyes, enable us to create from imagination a complete picture of what he must have been as a boy-careless of appearance, unconscious alike of his own defects and merits in style, or, rather, unconscious of the existence of style or man- ner in externals, eager for fresh adventure, ready to do a good turn for any " other fellow," going straight to the heart and kernel of things, and knowing no such word as fail. He delights in the feeling which the Latin dramatist expressed when he said, "I am a man, and nothing that touches humanity is indifferent to me."

The frankness and sociability of his character, his perfect can- dor and straightforwardness, have attracted others to him, whose regard he has cherished but did not seek. Among strangers in a room, one who doesn't know him picks him out at once by his looks and manners as what Dr. Johnson would have called " a clubable man." The secret of this attraction is homely humanity in opposition to formality and self-environment. Those who have been much with him and have known him in the unrestrained sociability of his home, must have been struck with his youthful elasticity of mind and ways. When one looks into his merry eye the secret is out. Charles Storrs can never be old in heart, for charity and goodwill to all the world, renew his youth continually.

1160

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

ALITTLE PHIt A

Aug. Young

A UGUSTUS YOUNG, one of the best-known portrait and historical painters of Brooklyn, was born of German parent- age in New York, July 8th, 1837. Early in boyhood he evinced much talent for drawing and painting, and so eager did he grow to become an artist that his parents permitted him to leave school at the age of thirteen and become a pupil of J. B. Stearns, N. A., who at that time had his studio in the old American Art Union build- ing on Broadway, New York, and was regarded as one of the most eminent historical and portrait painters of the time. Charles L. Elliott, Ferdinand Boyle, F. E. Church, E. H. May and other eminent painters had studios in the same building, and with all of them Mr. Young had unrestrained intercourse. Under the able tuition of Mr. Stearns, and with many valuable suggestions from other artists named, Mr. Young soon acquired considerable proficiency in the rudimental parts of drawing and painting in oil.

In 1851 Mr. Young entered the Academy of Design, and was a pupil there long enough to pass through the antique and life classes. In 1852 he entered the studio of Theodore Kaufman, a well-known historical painter of Dresden, Germany, who had at that time established himself in New York, under whose teaching he nequired a knowledge of anatomy, sketching from nature, figure painting, and composition in historical painting. About this time his father died, and he was left to the care of his nged mother, who had from the first taken a great interest in his aspi- rations and essays in an artistic way. Yielding to his importu-

nities, and under the advice of his tutor, Mr. Kaufman, she consented to his going to Europe, there to prosecute his studi more advantageously than he could have done in New York. He was abroad three years, passing through the antique, life-paint- ing and composition classes of the Royal Academy of Munich, where he composed several historical subjects which he executed after his return to America; among them " The Battle of Lützen," " The Death of Gustavus Adolplus," " King Alfred in the Din ish Camp," " The Death of Tecumseh, " and several other equally interesting subjects.

Before completing his studies in Munich, Mr. Young enter ] the studio of Professor Graefli, of Paris, one of the best portrait painters then in Europe, whose studio in Munich was frequent 1 by the nobility, and under whose tuition he nequired the Ind- liant flesh tints for which his portraits have become noted. A brief sojourn in Paris, where he occupied himself chietly in a study of the old masters in the Louvre collection, ele 1 Ms European studies. Soon after his return to New York he studi water color painting under J. B. Wandesforde, a celebrate t En . lishi water color painter. The addition of this to his many ctor artistic accomplishments of n high order, rendered him one of the most versatile artists in America ; and having conclud 1 t devote himself to portrait painting as a specialty, his knowlel of composition made it possible for him to add the scenic ffich for which his work has become distinctively noted. lle soon introduced an original style of portrait, in which the work i

1161

MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BROOKLYN.

penciled with colored crayons on a water-color groundwork, and which have become in great demand on account of their life-like appearance and high artistic finish.

Brooklyn has claimed Mr. Young as a citizen since 1860, when he removed from New York. Soon after he became domiciled in this city he began a large historical work of great local in- terest, the subject being "The Retreat of Washington from Long Island." This painting, on which Mr. Young lavished his great- est skill both in its design and execution, was one calculated to attract much more than a passing interest. It was nearly half completed when it was destroyed by an unfortunate accident, which left to the disappointed artist only the studies upon which it was based. He afterward painted " The Cavalier," " The Toy," and "The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots," and other sub-

jects of historical and artistic merit. He was an earnest sup- porter of the Brooklyn Art Association during the early portion of its career ; and his contributions to its exhibitions, and his portraits of many of the most distinguished men and women of Brooklyn, among them those of General B. F. Tracy, Excise Com- missioner Richard Lauer, the late Lieut-Col. Charles Schurig, and General James Jourdan, have won for him a high reputa- tion. His studio at No. 173 Bergen street is frequented and patronized by numerous people high in business, professional, political and social circles, who find him most conveniently located in his own house, where he can offer the greatest com- fort to his sitters; it being his belief that merit in art will be sought for by those who are able to appreciate it.

M TUSIC IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BROOKLYN .- Though the practice of singing obtained in the Public Schools for many years, Music was not tanght as a separate branch till about the year 1860, when Teachers of Music began to be employed; but they had no nniform system of teaching, and each nsed his own method independent of the rest. From this cause some schools became much more proficient than others. Mr. DAVID P. HORTON was one of the pioneers in music teaching in the Public Schools. In September, 1876, Prof. A. R. CASWELL was appointed one of the Teachers of Music in the schools. Becoming aware of the dis- advantages of the system of music teaching then prac- ticed, he proposed to the Board of Education a plan for a uniform method of teaching in all the schools, but they failed to adopt it at once. In the autumn of 1878, the Central Grammar School was opened, which comprised the highest grades of all the schools, and its Music Department was given to Prof. Caswell. Here the inequalities and defects of the different methods of

teaching were made glaringly apparent, by comparison of scholars coming from the different schools. No ac- tion to remedy matters was taken, however, until the spring of 1880, when Prof. Caswell was appointed Musical Director; and was asked to propose a plan of uniform teaching in all the schools. The system which he brought forward was adopted, with a few changes, April 20, 1880. Under this uniform system, musical instruction has been brought to a high standard. Ex- aminations of the scholars are held every six months, and diplomas awarded to graduates; the most profi- cient pupils receiving still further instruction gratui- tously from Prof. Caswell. In November, 1882, a rule of the Board was made, under which applicants for the position of Music Teacher in the schools must pass an examination prescribed by the Musical Director. The method employed in teaching is almost wholly oral, from charts and the blackboard, and covers the rudi- ments of music, sight reading, the elements of har- mony, with practice in vocal culture.

(8)

THE

AMATEUR DRAMATIC ASSOCIATIONS

OF BROOKLYN.

I EN 1867, the Rev. Henry Blanchard, an ardent love of Shakespeare and the Dramatic Art, was pastor of the Church of the Restoration, now the Church of the New Jerusalem, at the corner of Monroe place and Clark street. Through his efforts a society of young people having for its aim the study of Shakespearean and other characters was formed. At that period amateur dramatic societies were minerous throughont the city, but had not arrived at the high degree of per- fection they have attained at the present time. The young people tlen were content with giving their rep- resentations in the parlors of friend's houses, without seenery or any other paraphernalia peculiar to the stage. They never dreamed of treading the boards of the Academy of Music, or the Atheneum; but were well pleased when they could secure the old Lyceum, on Washington street, for their purpose. The society formed by the Rev. Mr. Blanchard was aeenstomed to meet, on alternate Friday evenings, in the vestry of the clinrch and read, without artistic details, some first- class drama. The pastor himself would frequently participate in this charming amusement. The idea was pleasing and novel, and was instrumental in at- tracting a large number of persons to the meetings of the society. Mr. Blanchard, some time afterward, played Claude Melnotte to the Pauline of Mrs. L. D. St. George, in the " Lady of Lyons," at Sawyer's As- sembly Rooms. It can scarcely be for a moment doubted, that this society had much to do in creating a taste for the Dramatic Art, which resulted in such sig- nally suceessful associations as the Entre Nous, Amar- anth, Kemble, Gilbert, Clifton, Wallack, Arcadian and the Amateur Opera Association of this eity.

The Entre Nous Dramatic Association (since converted into a social organization) headed the list of permanent amateur dramatic societies. It was first organized in the autumn of 1867, at the resi- dence of Mr. Conradt, No. 20 Harrison street, by a number of residents of South Brooklyn ; among whom were the late Amos G. Torrey, F. M. Moers, L. D. St George, since deceased ; Charles H. Tremaine and Ed- ward Olds. Its purpose was to give the members an opportunity to spend the long winter evenings, in an agreeable and entertaining manner. The comedy of " Naval Engagements " was the first performance, and

was given at the residenee of Miss H. Tremaine, on Henry street. A number of performances of similar character followed in rapid snecession, all given at the homes of the members. The fame of the new society spread far and wide, and the applications for member- ship finally grew so numerous, that it was resolved to incorporate it under the laws of the State; and the name was changed to the Entre Nous Dramatic and Literary Association, the membership being limited to one hundred. Mr. Amos G. Torrey was the first presi- dent, and held the office until the close of the sixth season. In the fourth year of its existenee, dissatisfac- tion between a portion of the members and the man- agement, resulted in the withdrawal of about forty members, under the leadership of Mr. L. D. St. George. who organized the Amaranth, with Charles Bamburgh as its first president. The Entre Nous still continued in its course until a few years ago, when it was con- verted into a social organization. Among the gentle- men prominently identified with the Entre Nous during its brilliant eareer were A. G. Torrey, Lneian Stanley, Charles H. Parsons, Charles Bamburgh, L. D. St. George, J. W. Thompson, A. R. Thompson, H. W. Pope, David L. Kirby, Edward Olds, Avon C. Burn- ham, A. J. Dickman, F. M. Smith, A. W. Peters, John Oakey and C. M. Tremaine. The plays produced by the Entre Nous were as follows : "Still Waters Run Deep," " The Breach of Promise," " Perfection," "Look- ing for Pa," " Caste," " Poor Pillieoddy," "Every- body's Friend," " A Morning Call," " I've Written to Brown," "Slasher and Crasher," " She Stoops to Con- quer," " Six Months Ago," "The Two Buzzards," " A Pretty Piece of Business," " All that Glitters is Not Gold," "Betsey Baker," ""Two in the Morning." " Lend Me Five Shillings," "Conjngal Lessons," " Old Gooseberry," " "The Elixir of Life," "The Jacobite," "One Thousand Pounds," " Married Life." "The Chinmey Corner," " Aunt Charlotte's Maid," " The Two Bonnycastles," " Leave it to Me," " The Doctor of Alcantara," and many others. This list indicates that the society confined itself rather to the light comedies, comediettas and farces than to the heavy Shakspear an characters.

Other Dramatic Societies, contemporaneous with the Entre Nous, but long since extinct, were the Montague, Mezereau, Philo-Momus (Fun-lovers), .

1163

THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC ASSOCIATIONS OF BROOKLYN.

Corps Dramatique (Company E, Thirteenth Regiment), Bowronville, Oxford, Nous Vere and the Burton.

"The Amaranth," an off-shoot of The Entre Nous Dramatic Society, held its first meeting May 11, 1871. In July following, the society was thoroughly organized witlı 100 members. Its first performance was given at the Academy of Music, October 20, 1871, in aid of the Home for Friendless Women and Children.

The play selected was Oliver Goldsmith's "She Stoops to Conquer," which was followed by a musical interlude and the farce of "Box and Cox." Some names familiar now were in the cast, such as Assistant District Attorney Oakey, "Our John," Charles Bam- burgh and Henry W. Pope. It was the first dramatic venture ever made by amateurs in that building, and netted $1,000. The officers at that time were: Chas. Bamburgh, President ; Geo. F. Gregory, Vice-Presi- dent ; J. W. Sands, Secretary ; John M. Burt, Treas- urer. The society leaped into popularity. "London Assurance " was performed at the first regular recep- tion, November 20, 1871. It was at this time that the amaranth flower was first adopted as the emblem of the society. In 1872, the flower was changed to a coat of arms, which did not suit the republican ideas of some members, and the old flower design was reinstated. It was used until November 19, 1873, when the pres- ent cut, well known to the frequenters of the Amar- anth performances, was adopted, with the following verse to be inserted under it. It is as familiar as the wood-cut, but will bear reproduction :

Immortal Amaranth, a flower which once

In Paradise, fast by the tree of life,

Began to bloom; but soon, for man's offense,

To Heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows And flowers aloft, shading the font of life.

The cut was designed by Mr. George Bowlend, whom old members of the society will remember as one of the most talented amateur actors who ever trod the Amar- anthine stage. The talent of the Amaranth was par- ticularly strong during 1874-5. Among the members then were Messrs. Luske, Pope, Bowlend, F. V. Ben- nett, E. A. Doty, Stull, Southgate, Castner, Mrs. Phil- lips, Mrs. Ferguson, Mrs. Draper and Mrs. Bellows, nee Hattie Silsbee. Mr. L. D. St. George was stage mana- ger, and performed his difficult task to perfection. The society was organized by ladies and gentlemen who associated themselves together for mutual improvement in art, literature, and music; the object of the society has never been lost sight of, nor will the generous manner with which she has given the fruits of her labors to charity ever be forgotten. The Amaranth was incorporated under New York State Laws, May 10, 1880. The present officers are: Fred. M. Lawrence, President ; L. M. Reed, Vice-President ; J. C. Von Aik, Secretary ; Edw. Fackner, Treasurer. The soci- ety is in a very prosperous condition as to membership, finances and resources. Among the members are

Henry Baldwin, B. J. Bell, J. C. Von Aik, J. D. Adams, Wallace Grant, F. B. Birdsall, A. R. Hart, Colonel David E. Austen, G. B. Davis, Theodore H. Babcock, S. M. Recd, Thomas Adams, Jr., Jere. A. Wernberg, M. Chauncey, W. J. Collins, Edward Fack, ner, John Garlick, Thomas F. Randolph, George B. Squires, S. T. Skinner, E. J. Snow, A. F. Loomis, W. L. Watson, H. P. Smith, John Oakey, Charles Bellows, Jr., W. W. Lambert, Charles Hickman, Dr. T. A. Quinlan, A. Richmond Hart, E. C. Humbert, Robert M. Hopps, Leon Renault, William H. Kimball, J. H. Cox, Henry P. Webb, John S. W. Thompson, and John F. Oltrogge.

"The Kemble " is a dramatic organization which came into existence Sept. 6, 1880, through a se- cession from The Amaranth. Its first officers were G. de Cordova, President ; A. Isaacs, Vice-President; R. M. Hogan, Secretary ; Jno. B. Munoz, Treasurer. The object of the Kemble is three-fold-dramatic, lit- erary and social. The first performance took place on November 19, 1880, at the Academy of Music, the play being Frederick Marsden's comedy of "Above the Clouds." In the cast were William Penny, William B. Vernam, Charles S. Withington, Miss Julia W. Reed, Miss Emma Gilbert, and William H. Butler. Later on an original drama was produced by Wallace Grant, well known as a member of the Kemble, entitled " De- feated," and was succeeded by the " Pride of the Mar- ket," " The Earl and the Outcast," " The Big Bonall- za" (repeated for the benefit of Deane W. Pratt), " The Honey-Moon," "George Geith," "Masks and Faces," " The Wedding March," "Single Life," and, to cap the climax, Shakespeare's tragedy, " Othello," with the following dramatis persona :

THE CAST OF "OTHELLO."

Desdemona . Mrs. Mattie A. J. Balchi

Emilia Miss Adelaide Fitzallen

Othello Mr. John H. Bird

Iago . Mr. Charles H. Withington

Cassio Mr. R. C. Hilliard

Roderigo Mr. George Bceks

Brabantio Mr. J. C. Cloherty Montano Mr. A. C. Munn Ludovico Mr. Charles Lamb

Duke of Venice. Mr. William A. Clarke

Gratiano Mr. E. L. Cohen

Leonardo. Mr. E. J. Wilkins

Julio. Mr. J. W. Underwood, Jr.

Marco. Mr. R. A. Moore

Antonio . Mr. Frank Cuddy

Paulo Mr. W. H. Wildey

Luca. Mr. W. E. Gref

Mr. de Cordova is an efficient, stage manager, and the following persons, well known on the amateur stage of this city and of the metropolis, constitute the dramatic corps of the Kemble : Mrs. Mattic A. J.

1161

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

Balch and the Misses Laura T. Colver, Carrie Frost, Belle Noble, Elita P. Otis, Mamie Lyon, Annie L. Hyde, Belle Arnot, Florence Parker, Louise Perkins, L. A. Rcan, Julia W. Recd, Josic Stouffer, Annie Walsh, Ida L. Waller. Ida Thompson, Jennic Roberts and Mrs. R. H. L. Waters; Messrs. W. A. Clarke, G. H. Bauerman, M. J. Benjamin, John II. Bird, C. T. Buckman. George H. Beeks, G. de Cordova, Arthur Genns, Wallace Grant, W. W. Lambert, Deane W. Pratt, William Penny, J. Wilson, E. J. Wilkins, A. C. Munn. S. S. Simpson, Charles Lamb, R. C. Hil- liard, A. R. Dyctt, Charles S. Withington, C. F. Cuddy, J. C. Cloherty, E. L. Cohen and William Angell.

The Academy of Music is the scene of their dramatic successes ; four entertainments are given cach sea- son. Monthly social receptions are held at the resi- dences of members, where dancing and music is intro- duced after the club business is disposed of.

The present officers are : G. de Cordova, President; Charles A. Gilberg, Vice-President; A. A. Scaman, Sec- retary: John Taylor, Treasurer. The success of this or- ganization is phenomenal, its social standing very high.

Amateur Opera Association, of Brooklyn, organized in 1875 from the choir of St. Peter's Epis- copal Church, State street, Brooklyn, by Messrs. James Bogle, J. Walter Thompson and Howard Dunbar, with the organist, Mr. H. E. Hutchinson, as conductor. The object was the practice of operatic music and social enjoyment.

During the first three years Mr. Bogle acted as secrc- tary, and Mr. Thompson as treasurer. In 1879 a board of officers was elected as follows :- James Bogle, President; C. H. Parsons, Vice-President; Henry Gor- ham, Secretary; J. Walter Thompson, Treasurer.

In 1880 the Board consisted of C. H. Parsons, Presi- dent; J. Walter Thompson, Vice-President; Henry Gor- ham, Secretary; A. M. Wilder, jr., Treasurer.

The same president, secretary and treasurer have re- maincd in office since, and the Board of Directors (increased to seven) is now composed as follows ;- C. H. Parsons, President; Fred. M. Lawrence, Vice- President; Henry Gorham, Secretary; A. M. Wilder, Jr., Treasurer; L. Hoffman, Jr., Fred. M. Smith, and J. M. Bacon, Trustees.

The association has never been incorporated.

For eight years dnes were collected from cach mem- ber to pay running expenses, and tickets sold for all performances. In November, 1883, there was a re- organization on the subscription basis, with two hun- dred subscribing members at $15 each, and a division of invitations to performances, with no dnes from sing- ing members.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 127

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : Munsell Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360